1955 Plymouth Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1955 Plymouth Belvedere 2-Door Hardtop
1. New "Hy Fire" V-8 Bows
2. Styling Radically Changed
3. Dashboard All New
4. Power Accessories Touted
5. Powerflite Shifter Moved to Dashboard
1955 Plymouth – The OHV V-8 Arrives
In addition to the new “Forward Look” styling, the new car got its first modern, overhead valve V-8 displacing 241 CID. An optional 260 CID version was offered increasing HP to 167, and 177 with the Power Pack. The I-6 engine also was increased in size to 230 CID.
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1955 Plymouth Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
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1955 Plymouth
| 601 Black | |
| 605 Miami Blue | |
| 606 Biscayne Blue | |
| 607 Tampa Turquoise | |
| 608 Bimini Blue Green | |
| 615 Tamiami Green | |
| 616 Gulf Green | |
| 617 Glades Green | |
| 618 Largo Green | |
| 630 Palm Beach Gray | |
| 640 Sarasota Sand | |
| 641 Cypress Brown | |
| 650 Pompano Peach | |
| 651 Seminole Scarlet | |
| 655 Orlando Ivory |
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1955 Plymouth Mid-Size Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1955 Plymouth
The Belvedere returned as top-of-the-line, with Savoy in the middle and Plaza as the entry-level model. All Plymouths underwent major revisions for the 1955 model year. This was the first year of Chrysler stylist Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look.” 1955 models were a dramatic redesign by Chrysler stylist Virgil Exner. They were longer, lower, and wider. The look caused sales to zoom up 52% over 1954.
In addition to the “Forward Look” styling, the new car got its first modern, overhead valve V-8 displacing 241 CID. An optional 260 CID version was offered increasing HP to 167. Also offered was a “Power Pak”, including a Carter WCFB 4-barrel carburetor, further increasing the 260 CID engine HP to 177.The I-6 engine’s stroke was increased by 0.25 inches, increasing the size from 217.8 CID to 230.2 CID. This increased power from 100 to 110 HP. The optional PowerFlite fully automatic transmission had the selector lever moved to the instrument panel. Suspended type floor control pedals were another 1955 innovation.
The Belvedere returned as top-of-the-line, with Savoy in the middle and Plaza as the entry-level model. On the models lines, the club coupe was dropped.
Plaza
The Plaza was the low-priced line and could be had with either the I-6 or V-8 power plants. No extraneous trim appeared on this series. However, buyers were able to order “Sport Tone” side spear moldings as optional equipment after mid-year. Plain cloth upholstery was standard in the Plaza, but vinyl combinations were available at slight extra cost.
Savoy
The Savoy was Plymouth’s mid-price model range in 1955. Standard equipment included slightly upgraded interiors over the Plaza. The Sport Tone trim option, as described on the Plaza, was available on the Savoy after mid-year at slight extra cost.
Belvedere
The Belvedere was the high-priced Plymouth line – with the same styling features described for other models, however, with upgraded interior and exterior finishes. The sport coupe and convertible had special contrasting “color sweep” panels as standard equipment.
Historical
Model year production peaked at 672,100 units. Interestingly, the production lines at the Detroit factory were made 67 feet longer, because the 1955 models were larger than past Plymouth models.
1955 Plymouth Factoids
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The 241 CID V-8 was the first iteration of Plymouth’s Poly, based on a version of the Dodge’s 1954 241 Hemi, albeit with the new Poly heads. Bore and stroke were the same as the Dodge engine, at 3.4375 inches x 3.25 inches. Maximum power claimed was 157 HP at 4400 RPM. A bit later a 259 CID version was released, also known as the 260. It displaced 259.2 CID. It was a bored-out 241, having a 3.5625 inch bore but kept the 3.25 inch stroke. Maximum power claimed was 167 HP with a 2-barrel carburetor, and 177 hp with 4-barrel.
This was the first year of Chrysler stylist Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look.” 1955 models were a dramatic redesign by Chrysler stylist Virgil Exner. They were longer, lower, and wider. Plymouth joined the “Jet Age”!
For the 1955 model year, all Chrysler Corporation cars utilizing the Powerflite automatic transmission had the gear selector placed on the dashboard to the right of the steering column. This would be the only year for this position. Starting in 1956, all the Corporation’s cars would use push buttons to the left side of the dash.
1955 Plymouth Facts – Models Offered
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Plaza – The Plaza was the low-priced line and could be had with either I-8r or V-8 power. No extraneous trim appeared on this series. Chrome ornamentation was limited to a large “Plaza” script placed ahead of the front wheel opening. A fin shaped hood ornament was used. Windshield was framed in black rubber. Cars with V-8 power had V-shaped emblems attached to the hood and trunk. A Plymouth badge was placed on the hood. At the rear, vertical taillights were set into the backwards pointing fender tips.
Buyers could order “Sport Tone” side spear moldings as optional equipment after mid-year. These moldings ran from below the taillight to the middle of the front door and then slanted forward, hitting the rocker sill at the door’s front lower corner.
A simple patterned cloth upholstery was standard in the Plaza, but vinyl combinations were available at slight extra cost. A business coupe was still provided in this model range. It used the two-door Sedan and body shell with a single front seat and stowage space in the rear compartment.
The model line consisted of 4-door Sedan, 2-door Club Sedan, 2-door Sport Coupe hardtop, and 2-door and 4-dootr Suburban wagons .
Savoy – The Savoy was Plymouth’s mid-price model range in 1955. Standard equipment included upgraded interiors, chrome windshield frames, bright metal roof gutter rails, chrome trim on the rear deck overhang, horizontal Sweepspear molding high on front fenders and doors and “Savoy”, in script, on the front fender.
The “Sport Tone” trim option, as available on the Plaza, was available on the Savoy after mid-year) at slight extra cost. These moldings ran from below the taillight to the middle of the front door and then slanted forward, hitting the rocker sill at the door’s front lower corner. General styling features were the same as outlined for 1955 Plazas. Cars with V-8 power had V-shaped hood and deck emblems.
The model line consisted of 4-door Sedan and 2-door Club Sedan only.
Belvedere – The Belvedere was the top level Plymouth line. It had the same styling features described for other models, with a top grade interior and exterior finish. All body styles had “Belvedere” on the front fender in script, chrome windshield and rear window moldings, chrome trim on the rear deck lid overhang, chrome trim inside the headlight bezels,bright moldings decorating the taillamps and bright metal highlights on the rear roof pillar. Sedans and station wagons had full-length chrome Sweepspear on their sides.
The sport coupe and convertible had special contrasting “Color Sweep” panels as standard equipment. The panel was formed by the side molding arrangement and two-tone paint treatment. A horizontal spear ran from the headlamp hood to the mid-door area. A second horizontal spear ran from above the taillamp to the middle of the door. Forward slanting moldings intersected the front spear below the front vent window and below the windshield post. The shorter one below vent window also intersected the lower horizontal piece. The longer one dropped to the rocker sill at the mid-door point. Panels underneath the lower horizontal molding and between the slanting pieces were finished in a contrasting color, usually matching the roof color. A small crest emblem was placed on the door between the slanting moldings.
Belvedere upholstery came in especially rich combinations. A DeLuxe steering wheel, dual ash trays, arm rests, clock, and special courtesy lights were included.
The model line consisted of 4-door Sedan, 2-door Club Sedan, 2-door Sport Coupe hardtop, Convertible, and 4-door Suburban wagon.
1955 Plymouth Facts – Engines
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230 CID I-6. L-Head. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 230 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.25 x 4.63 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.4:1.
Horsepower: 117 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 194 @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: 236°, Exhaust: 236°, Overlap: 18°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.365″, Exhaust 0.365″.
Carburetor: Ball & Ball one-barrel BBS-2063SA.
241 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves, Polyspheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 241 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.44 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.6:1.
Horsepower: 157 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 217 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 241°, Overlap: 25°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.360″, (Exhaust) 0.360″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: Ball & Ball (manual transmission) BBD-2262S or 2141S; (overdrive transmission) BBD-2154; (automatic transmission) BBD-2155.
259 CID 2-barrel V-8. Overhead valves polyspheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 259.2 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.563 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 167 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 231 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 241°, Overlap: 25°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.360″, (Exhaust) 0.360″.
Carburetor: Ball & Ball 2-barrel (manual transmission) BBD-2255; (overdrive transmission) BBD-2260; (automatic transmission BBD-2261.
NOTE: This engine is sometimes referred to as a 260 CID in literature.
259 CID 4-barrel Power Pack V-8. Overhead valves polyspheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 259.2 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.563 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 177 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 231 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 241°, Overlap: 25°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.360″, (Exhaust) 0.360″.
Carburetor: Carter 4-barrel WCFB-2353.
NOTE: This engine is sometimes referred to as a 260 CID in literature.
1955 Plymouth Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 115 inches.
- Overall length: All: 203.8 inches.
- Overall width: 74.6 inches.
- Overall height: 60.1 inches.
- Front tread: 58.4 inches.
- Rear tread: 58.5 inches.
- Tires: 6.70 X 15 black or whitewall tubeless; tubed tires optional.
- Optional tires: 7.10 X 15 black or whitewall tubeless; tubed tires optional.
1955 Plymouth Facts – Powertrains
- Two Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 1.72:1, 2nd – 1.00:1., Reverse – 2.39:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.57:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 3.48:1 Overdrive 0.70:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.73:1, Optional – 3.54:1, 3.90:1, 4.10:1, 4.30:1.
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT Overdrive – 4.10:1, Optional – 3.90:1, 4.30:1.
- I-6: 2-Speed AMT – 3.73:1, Optional – 3.90:1, 4.30:1.
- V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.73:1, Optional – 3.54:1, 3.90:1, 4.10:1, 4.30:1.
- V-8: 3-Speed SMT Overdrive – 4.10:1, Optional – 3.90:1, 4.30:1.
- V-8: 2-Speed AMT – 3.54:1, Optional – 3.73:1, 3.90:1, 4.10:1.
- NOTE: Optional rear gear ratios either Special Order or Dealer installed.
1955 Plymouth Facts – Powertrain Options
-
- Three-speed manual transmission standard.
- Three-Speed Overdrive transmission ($100).
- Powerflite Automatic transmission ($165).
- 230 CID I-6 125 HP standard in I-6 models.
- 241 CID V-8 157 HP two-barrel engine standard in V-8 models.
- 259 CID V-8 167 HP two-barrel engine optional.
- 259 CID V-8 177 HP Power Pack four-barrel engine optional.
- “Sure-Grip” Positive traction rear axle optional.
1955 Plymouth Facts – Significant Options
- Prices where known
-
- Air conditioning ($525).
- Bumper guards.
- Dual exhausts.
- Grille guard.
- Heater ($45).
- Heater, DeLuxe ($70).
- Oil filter.
- Power brakes ($35).
- Power seat ($42).
- Power steering ($90).
- Power windows ($95).
- Radio ($83).
- Rear seat speaker.
- Seat covers.
- Solex glass.
- Two-tone paint.
- Variable speed electric wipers.
- Wheel discs, full.
- Wheel discs, wire.
- Whitewalls, exchange ($25).
- Windshield washer.
1955 Plymouth Mid-Size Downloads and Images
1955 Plymouth Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1955 Plymouth Foldout Brochure
1955 Plymouth AMA Specifications Sheets
1955 Plymouth Facts – Related Images
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1955 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible
The 1955 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible was the only convertible offered this year. 8,473 were delivered.
1955 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Hardtop
The 1955 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Hardtop was the only hardtop in the line and the sportiest 2-door. A strong 47,375 found happy customers.
1955 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan
The 1955 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan was the top level 4-door in this year. It was the second best-selling Plymouth with 160,984 delivered.
1955 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Club Sedan
The 1955 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Club Sedan took a back seat to the Hardtop in style but still sold well with 41,645 delivered.
1955 Plymouth Belvedere Suburban Station Wagon
The 1955 Plymouth Belvedere Suburban Station Wagon was only available as a 4-door. 18,488 were sold.
1955 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan
the 1955 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan was the mid-price 4-door in 1955. It was the best-selling Plymouth in 1955 with 162,741 finding customers.
1955 Savoy 2-door Club Sedan
The 1955 Savoy 2-door Club Sedan was the mid-level 2-door. It was a solid seller with 74,880 produced.
1955 Plymouth Plaza 4-door Sedan
The 1955 Plymouth Plaza 4-door Sedan was the entry level 4-door in 1955. Iit was a good seller with 84,156 finding customers.
1955 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Club Sedan
The 1955 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Club Sedan was the entry level 2-door. 53,610 were produced.
1955 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Business Coupe
The 1955 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Business Coupe was a 3-passenger coupe with the back seat removed for storage. Only 4,882 were built.
1955 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Station Wagon
The 1955 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Station Wagon was the low level and only 3-door station wagon in the line. 31,788 were sold. The 4-door version (not shown) found 15,442 customers.